How to visit Kokomo: Fiji’s most glamorous island

Now that we are all back in work mode, it’s time to start thinking and saving for a serious dose of island luxury, courtesy of Australian property developer, Lang Walker.

Simplicity, luxury and exclusivity are first nature on Fiji’s Kokomo Island, a destination where guests get the luxe vibe as soon as they arrive via a private Kokomo chopper from Nadi. Let’s get one thing out of the way, Kokomo is not an inexpensive holiday exercise, but as the owners say, “Kokomo Island embodies his life enthusiasms: living near the water’s edge, waterfront development and enjoying activities on the water.”

And yes, that’s pretty much what you do most of the day if you’re not eating, swimming, nodding off or in full-on vacay mode. Let me tell you, the water surrounding the resort is pretty special as it sits on the edge of the Kadavu Island group, in the Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth largest in the world.

It was 2013 when Lang Walker got a phone call about a private island for sale. The Australian billionaire and developer—an avid sailor and diver who has spent 40 years adventuring among the picturesque waters of Australasia—was tempted by promises of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

When Mr Walker arrived in Fiji, he discovered a pristine isle that would, four years later, become the spectacular new Kokomo Private Island. After having officially opened just last April, Walker fondly dubbed the resort not after the famous Beach Boys song of the same name, but after his first sailing dinghy.

Appropriately, Kokomo is a PADI five-star dive resort, outfitted for water play of all sorts, from stand-up paddle boarding and outer-reef surfing to deep-sea fishing and laser sailing. The marine life—think billfish, tuna, giant trevally, manta rays and seasonal visits from humpback whales—swim just meters from the shores of Kokomo Island, where you can marvel at their beauty while diving, snorkeling, fishing and kayaking on the island nirvana.

As far as the waters-edge villas are concerned, they are nothing short of spectacular and cater to everyone from couples to larger families. There are in-house chefs who tailor to your every need, along with butlers and nanny services and individual spa treatments available.

There are 21 exclusive bedroom Beachside Villas which offer a private pool and ocean views and are spread sparingly along the Island’s two longest beaches, complete with absolute privacy and direct beach access. Each villa is open planned with a generous master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite leading out to a separate outdoor shower. The villas also feature a large lounge area and kitchenette, along with a private deck and infinity pool.

For those with an appreciation of the arts, each villa has an individual, vibrant abstract piece of artwork, painted onsite by renowned Australian artist Chris Kenyon. And for bigger families, there are five Luxury Hilltop residences nestled amidst a rainforest with an infinity pool, complete with some of the best views the island has to offer. Featuring three to six bedrooms, each residence has its own unique floor plan and an expansive open-plan living space with a kitchen, butler’s pantry, laundry and linen store.

If you’re not into water sports, you can climb to the summit of Kokomo Island for sweeping views, explore the outer Great Astrolabe Reef, venture off to the neighbouring island and head to underwater caves and grottos, visit the nearby manta ray cleaning station—where mantas come to get freshened up by wrasse fish—or swim with the rays.

Alternately, you can savour the simple pleasure of a cocktail while experiencing the spectacle of a Fijian sunset on the deck at the Beach Shack. You can also head out to the reef by boat and catch your dinner which can be cooked to order by the Kokomo Private Island chefs or go on a private art tour and view the 200 works commissioned by prominent Australian artist Chris Kenyon, who lived on Kokomo Island for six months while he undertook this giant project.

Kokomo Private Island also caters for children of all ages with their five-star Kids Club—an interactive, fun and engaging space which is completely separate from adult activities—as well as a program designed especially for teenagers. For those with younger children, a personal nanny is also available to care for your infants in the comfort of your private villa.

Kokomo Private Island head-chef Anthony Healy has worked with his culinary team to ensure the island’s cuisine is at one with the Kokomo experience and dining options range from the Beach Shack Restaurant located on the water’s edge, Walker D’Plank tucked within a small cove behind the arrival jetty overlooking the water and Pool Cabana, an all-day casual affair which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kokomo really has been designed to meet the needs of intergenerational travelers who like serious barefoot luxury, with the all-inclusive daily rate covering meals and beverages, accommodation, a spa treatment and activities starting from just $US1995 a night for up to two guests.

Life on Kokomo Island focuses on ease, indulgence and experience and the island is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). With over 500 hotels in 80 countries across the globe, SLH carefully selects each one of their properties to celebrate their individuality, quirks and character. Every one of these small, independent hotels has one thing in common: excellence, and excellent is what our short and exquisitely special stay was.

*Melissa Hoyer was a guest of the Walker family on Kokomo Island and flew to Fiji on Virgin Airlines